ATLANTA — Jeff Francis’ return makes more sense when you consider this: The Rockies are listening to offers for left-handed reliever Josh Outman, with the Red Sox and Indians among those interested.

Colorado is unlikely to move closer Rafael Betancourt before Wednesday’s 2 p.m. deadline, but it hasn’t been ruled out. Betancourt is slowly recovering from an appendectomy. He just started playing catch, and he isn’t expected to begin a rehab assignment until after the Rockies return from their road trip on Aug. 9. The veteran has a $4.25 million mutual option next season and could be moved next month, though it’s more complicated then because players must clear waivers.

Colorado has been prepared to act as a buyer and seller as it teeters on the edge of contention. Outman has value — a hard-throwing left-hander who is under control for two more seasons — especially in a more traditional bullpen. The 28-year-old could serve as a one-inning piece or as a specialist. Outman, acquired from Oakland for outfielder Seth Smith before last season, has limited lefties to a .224 average in 76 at-bats.

The Rockies continue to look to bolster their relief corps, deterred by the acquisition of starting pitching in a weak market. The White Sox shipped reliever Jesse Crain, a Fairview High graduate who was a target before his shoulder injury, to Tampa Bay on Monday. Colorado has had interest in the Cubs’ Kevin Gregg.

Culberson arrives, Pacheco goes. Looking to create a more versatile bench — the Rockies’ reserves have been among the least productive in the majors this season — Colorado promoted Charlie Culberson and optioned Jordan Pacheco to Triple-A Colorado Springs.

Culberson, 24, can play second base, shortstop and third base and recently auditioned in the outfield because of his speed.

“The biggest difference in the outfield? Running into walls,” Culberson said with a smile.

The Georgia native batted .310 with 14 home runs for the Sky Sox and has 34 hits in his last 18 games.

Pacheco’s fall has been dramatic. He finished fifth in the National League last season with a .309 average, but had few opportunities once Nolan Arenado took over as the everyday third baseman in late April. That left first as a potential avenue to the lineup, but Todd Helton, in his expected final season, has heated up at the plate, and Michael Cuddyer typically plays when the veteran Helton doesn’t.

The plan is for Pacheco to catch in Triple-A. That could be more of his role going forward at the big-league level.

Footnote. Carlos Gonzalez bused a Maracaibo, Venezuela, 19-under national team to Monday’s game. The club is playing in a tournament in South Carolina. CarGo provided the players with cleats and spikes and the coaches with turf shoes. “It’s great to have them here,” he said.

Troy joined The Denver Post in 2002 as the Rockies' beat writer and became a Broncos beat writer in 2014 before assuming the lead role before the 2015 season. He is a past president of the local chapter of Baseball Writers Association of America and has won more than 20 local and national writing awards since graduating from the University of Colorado journalism school with honors in 1993.

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